What is the Significance Behind Michael Chandler’s Tattoos?

Tattoos and mixed martial arts are synonymous with each other, with fighters flaunting ink as a reflection of their personas. From Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria’s chest tattoos to the wings on the backs of Max Holloway and Tony Ferguson, the ink that some of these fighters wear is an extension of their personalities within the Octagon. Unlike many mixed martial artists with elaborate designs, Michael Chandler has minimal tattoos on his body. 

So what tattoos does ‘Iron’ Mike have and what symbolism do they carry? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out.

Michael Chandler explains the significance of his ‘Blessed’ tattoo

Perhaps the most prominent tattoo on Chandler’s body is the word ‘Blessed’ across his left pectoral muscle. In an interview with Bleacher Report in 2012, he explained that he channeled positivity through the body art from the blessings he received in his life. He founded ‘Blessed Threads’ an organization that lets people from all walks of life buy a T-shirt in the fight against cancer.

Chandler said, “I actually have a tattoo on the left side of my chest that says ‘Blessed.’ It represents how blessed I’ve been in my life and how thankful I am for all that I have. So, I decided to put the logo in the same location of my tattoo. It’s just a reminder that we’re all blessed in some way or another. Not only that, but I want to spread blessings to children who have to battle through the hardships of life.”

In another Q&A with My MMA News, the former Bellator lightweight champion pointed out that the tattoo was a constant reminder of how ‘blessed’ he was in never taking things for granted. He said, “I don’t want to ever take that for granted or waste any gifts I have been given. I want to be a person that gives people that inspiration and motivation to go out there and pursue whatever is on their heart. I can only hope that I can continue to grow and be one of the greatest fighters, not only now, but of all time, and doing it with that platform of helping and blessing more and more people.”

Despite the minimal designs on his body, ‘Blessed’ is not the only tattoo Chandler wears. The lightweight contender has a tattoo below his bicep that reads ‘At Peace In The Midst’, signifying the need to stay calm amid adversity. In addition to those, ‘Iron Mike’ also has the names of his sons—Hap and Ace—tattooed on either forearm. Finally, Chandler also has a tattoo that reflects his deep connection to his faith, on his lower torso.

What is tattooed on Michael Chandler’s ribcage?

In keeping with his outlook on positivity, Michael Chandler has a tattoo of Isaiah 54:17 on his right rib cage. The scripture, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…,” clearly plays into his life mantra. This scripture, however, references that God’s church will never be destroyed, because he who created everything, also protects everything. No matter what weapon is forged against those faithful to God, it can never be successful. Needless to say, the tattoo on his ribcage is proof of Chandler’s faith.

Furthermore, ‘Iron’ Mike also has a single Chinese word tattooed on his left upper back shoulder. The word, pronounced ‘Yin’, is different from the popular ‘Yin-Yang’. On its own, the word is expressed in English as honor, but when combined, it can mean Hero. Chandler’s minimalistic approach to tattoo selection is quite contrary to his performances under the bright lights. It’s clear that he’s gone with a ‘less is more’ approach to getting inked.

As he gets ready to fight Paddy Pimblett at the co-main event of UFC 314, Chandler will need every ounce of faith he can muster to win against the British phenom. Coming off a 2-fight losing spree, this is going to be a golden chance for ‘Iron’ Mike to come out of his rut and rise higher in the lightweight rankings. But the outcome of the fight is something that only time can tell.

What are your thoughts on Michael Chandler’s tattoos? Do you think they are a true reflection of the fighter’s personality? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.